Your household may be one of the millions this fall in which student athletes are dreaming of victory on their school playing fields. Of course, we here at Soucy Insurance want to see them succeed, but we also want them to be safe.
So, here are several tips for students, parents and school staff to keep in mind as the new season gets underway:
- Start off on the right foot: All athletes require a preseason physical and should share any medical conditions with coaches. And, parents, do not forget to provide your contact information and permission for emergency medical care.
- Think about nutrition: A healthy diet offers plenty of complex carbohydrates, plus moderate amounts of protein, salt, sugars and sodium. Keep fat, saturated fat and cholesterol to a minimum.
- Be smart about injuries: Athletic trainers and consulting physicians, not coaches, should decide whether athletes continue playing following an injury. All athletic staff must be trained on how to use defibrillators and the devices must be kept nearby during both practice and games. Finally, athletes should always speak up about and seek medical attention for such symptoms as dizziness, memory loss, lightheadedness, fatigue or imbalance after a hit in the head or a fall. In most cases, they should not rejoin practice or play that same day.
- Maintain equipment and facilities: Helmets and pads should be properly fitted; gymnastic apparatus well-maintained. Facilities must be kept clean and checked for germs regularly.
- Warm up, cool down: Always warm up and stretch before beginning activities. Cool down and stretch when finished, and take plenty of breaks in between.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during and after a workout or practice.
- Build up a heat tolerance: To avoid heat illnesses, especially in sports requiring protective equipment, start slowly and build up to more intensive training requiring the full gear.
We hope these tips help set up your student athletes for success this season. We’ll be rooting for them! For additional information on how to safeguard your loved ones, call Soucy Insurance at 762.2218.
